Ever wondered where Tesco's idyllic-sounding farms are? Nowhere - They made them up

Digital Editor

Tesco has drawn criticism for using fictional British-sounding farm names on labelling for a range of meat and fresh produce, some of which is imported.

The made-up names are Woodside, Willow and Boswell farms on labelling for pork, chicken and beef, as well as Nightingale and Redmere on salad and vegetable items, Rosedene on berries, apples and pears and Suntrail Farms on a range of imported fruit.

The new farms as they appear on Tesco's website

Tesco is using the names on seven new brands which were launched on Monday.

The National Farmers’ Union and the Soil Association have both questioned the new branding.

“We recognise that Tesco has chosen to brand these products with fictional farm names - a marketing technique practised in Aldi and Lidl on selected product lines.

“There will inevitably be shoppers who are led to believe that the fictional names of the farms are the real source of the product - this makes the need for clear and accurate origin labelling even greater.”

Soil Association chief executive Helen Browning described the names as “brands of convenience”.

She said: “People deserve better. We increasingly want to know where our food comes from, and we want honesty and authenticity.”

Tesco’s website says the products are sourced from “a selection of farms and growers – some are small, family-run farms while others are of a larger scale”. It adds that products have been reared or grown to “specific standards”.

A Tesco spokeswoman said the labels reflected a brand rather than actual farms, and were designed to assure customers that the produce was from trusted suppliers who met Tesco’s quality standards, whether here or abroad.

She said 100% of the fresh greens, white potatoes, chicken and beef under the new branding were sourced from the UK, adding: “All of our packaging clearly displays the country of origin on front of pack to help customers make an informed decision on what they wish to buy.”

She said: “Over the last 18 months we have been simplifying our ranges, launched Brand Guarantee and improved customer service. However, we know customers want the convenience of getting all their shopping in one place.

“These seven new brands, which are exclusive to Tesco, address our customers’ needs for quality fresh food, at very competitive prices in a single shop.”